Brendan TudorWarehouse and Distribution
I graduated in Business and Leisure in 1996 and moved to Bath to work in event management. I ended up as beverage manager at a local hotel and then a city centre wine bar before being recruited to GWW. Soon after I became deputy warehouse and distribution manager. Having gained the WSET certificate and taken courses in warehouse safety, first aid and forklift operation I now take responsibility for the department in Stewart Taylor’s absence, and annually manage our off site corporate gift packing operation, as well as working closely with our third party couriers throughout the year.
West Brook Sauvignon - great example of my favourite grape! Fresh, zesty and well balanced cool climate wine.
Vistalba Corte A, B or indeed C! - very unusual tasting gang of smooth velvety reds. A must try for any red wine lover, with or without food.
Oak Valley Chardonnay (when someone else pays!) - deep, rich and buttery wine that fully reflects its price every time!
Stewart RanshawWarehouse and Distribution
I joined the warehouse team about 7 years ago and have been Stewart Taylor's assistant manager for the past three years. Great Western Wine is an ideal place for me to improve my wine knowledge, and I am constantly impressed by the number of new wines coming into the market, particularly from the Southern Hemisphere.
My other main hobby is running - marathons, half marathons, any distance to keep fit! I live with my partner Laura, and a large collection of animals.
My three favourite wines are
West Brook Sauvignon from New Zealand.
Château Larose Perganson, Haut Médoc Cru Bourgeois, and
Menetou Salon from the Loire Valley.
Tim PeytonWarehouse and Distribution
I was fortunate enough to join Great Western Wine just before the sinking ship that was First Quency (Threshers, Wine Rack) finally sunk. Having long been a customer of Great Western Wine, I was aware of the quality on offer here and am now privileged to be a part of it.
Prior to working in the wine trade, I completed an English degree at UWE and retain an interest in literature. Other passions include music, football and nature.
It’s almost impossible to single out three wines from the hundreds of gems that vie for my attention at the end of a shift however, here are some current favourites.
Domaine de Nizas Carignan Vieilles Vignes - fantastic nose of lavender and garrigue, with great length and concentration on the palate. Shows what this grape can do in the right hands.
Charbonnière Vacqueyras - Lovely raspberry Grenache fruit with warming southern spice and charm a-plenty.
Cornas Vieilles Vignes, Alain Voge - superb wine. Opens up to reveal bags of savoury character – black pepper, cloves and lovely meaty, smokey, northern Rhône Syrah fruit.
Nick StylesWarehouse and Distribution
Before joining Great Western Wine I had experience in wine retailing with Oddbins and before that worked in the kitchens at Lucknam Park and The Olive Tree. In my spare time I like to escape to the country to relax.
My current favourite wines are Marronniers Chablis - with its elegance and subtle complexity.
Chalkers Crossing Semillon - delicious, richly flavoured, with a refreshing lemony finish.
Bogle Chenin Blanc - excellent balance and weight; really good.
Dan WatkissWarehouse and Distribution
Born in Bath, grew up in Wiltshire. After completing my A levels I worked in various restaurants and then went travelling around South America, where I ended up staying for a year or so. I began to set up an export business in Argentina but they weren't too keen on that and asked me to leave, so I moved to Seville (Spain) to teach English in a language school.
When I returned to the UK, I joined the civil service but after a few years decided that Great Western Wine would be more interesting, and I was right! I am really enjoying learning about the wines and am a keen 'Winebibber'.
My current favourites are Vistalba Corte C and Heartland Dolcetto + Lagrein.
